Gabriel Kahane Joins Yamaha Roster

Gabriel Kahane

Gabriel Kahane, who has earned critical acclaim as a composer and performer in several genres ranging from pop and folk music to musical theater and concert works, has joined the global family of distinguished Yamaha Piano Artists.

"Gabriel Kahane’s talents are as eclectic as his musical interests, which he has demonstrated in his work as a classical composer, chamber musician, singer/songwriter as well as in musical theater. We are thrilled to welcome him as a Yamaha Artist," said Bonnie Barrett, Director of Yamaha Artist Services, Inc. "We’re eager to see where Gabriel’s musical abilities and vision will lead, since he has already accomplished so much in just a few years. We look forward to supporting him in the recording studio, in clubs and in concert halls, or wherever his music will be heard."

Kahane’s talents as a singer-songwriter are currently on display on his highly anticipated debut album for Sony Masterworks, The Ambassador, a collection of songs inspired by the architecture and popular culture of Los Angeles. Released on June 3, Kahane’s new album, the first of a three-record deal with Sony, is garnering glowing reviews.

Rolling Stone called The Ambassador "one of the very best albums of the year," and NPR’s First Listen said, "Throughout The Ambassador, Kahane speaks many musical languages fluently and beautifully," and went on to praise "Kahane's serious compositional chops, which he's brought back to the fore on this album."

The New York Times hailed Kahane’s critically acclaimed previous album, Where are the Arms, for its "extravagant poise and emotional intelligence."

As a composer of concert works, Kahane has been commissioned by the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Carnegie Hall, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, American Composers Orchestra, Kronos Quartet, The Caramoor Festival and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, which he toured with last spring performing Gabriel’s Guide to the 48 States, an hour-long cycle on texts from the WPA American Guide Series.

Fans, fellow musicians and critics alike have noted that Kahane seems as comfortable in major concert halls as he does in club settings or on a musical theater stage. In 2012, for instance, Kahane, a graduate of Brown University, made his recital debut at Carnegie Hall in a program devoted to his music. That same year, the musical February House, for which Kahane wrote the much-lauded score, made its New York premiere at the Public Theater.

The list of artists he has collaborated with is as impressive and diverse as his own musical career. Kahane has performed or recorded with musicians ranging from Sufjan Stevens, Rufus Wainwright, Chris Thile, and Brad Mehldau to Jeremy Denk, Jonathan Biss, and composer/conductor John Adams. As a chamber musician, he has appeared in recital with the string quartet Brooklyn Rider at Carnegie Hall, at the Library of Congress with fellow composer/ performer Timo Andres, and on tour with cellist Alisa Weilerstein.

"The fact that such a gifted musician has chosen Yamaha is a testament to the quality of our pianos," added Barrett. "Gabriel will be an asset to our family of artists around the globe. We look forward to helping him share his artistic vision."

Kahane said he looks forward to working with Yamaha Artist Services. "I am thrilled to join the Yamaha roster," he said. "Not only are Yamaha's instruments gorgeous and well balanced, but their staff, too, is kind and professional, providing incredible resources to artists."